It was reported last month that the UK is believed to have exported a phenomenal 892,908 tonnes of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) to countries such as Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands, in 2012.

Considering the equivalent figure was zero tonnes four years ago, this rise in RDF exports is astounding. It is with baited breath that we now wait to see what quantities the UK will produce for overseas processing, over the course of this year. Suddenly a 1 million anticipated export figure for 2013 does not seem unachievable at all.

So what positives should we take from this news report? It is great to hear that the quality of our alternative fuel production systems has been acknowledged, especially by countries that are considered incredibly ‘clean’ nations.  It shows us as technology providers just how much market potential there is for our waste to energy shredders – particularly the XR shredder for municipal solid waste – to excel. We are certainly experiencing continued growth in our XR sales, and the future looks bright for this single shaft machine, as more and more organisations look to divert their waste from landfill.

It does make us think though, how much of a shame it is that we cannot harness the potential of this resource within this country, not least because of the environmental implications of shipping the fuel across Europe on oil-burning cargo ships.

It is hoped that the UK does not view these impressive export figures with complacency.  Just because our RDF is being acknowledged as a quality fuel by our overseas neighbours, we should not be ignorant to the fact that it should have a significant role to play in our own waste and energy infrastructure.